Name: Paulo Simplicio; Institution: West Virgina University; Program: FECM University Training and Research Program (UTR); Education Level: Graduate Student
September 16, 2024
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Paulo Victor Galvao Simplicio is a PhD student specializing in robotics at West Virginia University.
The hands-on experience offered in the University Carbon Research (UCR) program allowed Paulo to engage in comprehensive research including the unique opportunity to combine robotics, dynamical systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and path planning in the field of mechanical engineering.
Paulo described his unique opportunity to apply the theory learned in class in the field as ‘quite rewarding,’ especially knowing his research offered societal advantages that safeguards the environment and increases public safety.
Paulo’s research project involved developing advanced algorithms for drones to inspect tailing dams. Combining robotics and technology to conduct autonomous UAV inspections of tailing dams helped to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities to minimize the risks of catastrophic dam failures. This early detection of potential dam failures averts environmental incidents than can release harmful substances into the ecosystem.
The University Training and Research (UTR) program is supporting early-stage research at U.S. colleges and universities, helping to advance the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management's (FECM) mission of minimizing the environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuels and industrial processes while working to achieve net-zero emissions across the U.S. economy.